Intresting, I did see the EK22 diversion to Athens, I did wonder why they did not divert to IST which was closer, here it seems they were flying close to Syria it would have made more sence flying back to Istanbul then Cyrpus but I guess they probably pick a quieter airport capable and wont delay the flight further.
Hope your return flights are less dramatic! I always say if I have to have a delay be on the way back, it's only work I'm going back to. My favorite call earlier in the year was calling my boss from DXB to say my inbound flight was late and I will see him later in the week